Uganda seeks US$82 M to address HIV/AIDS funding shortfall

UGANDA—The Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) and AHF Uganda Cares, a leading HIV/AIDS service provider, have urgently called for an allocation of Shs300 billion (US$81.94 million) to secure critical drugs and laboratory supplies for HIV treatment.

This plea comes after the United States suspended US$44 billion in funding for global health programs following executive orders issued by President Trump

The funding freeze affects crucial U.S. government-backed health programs, including the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

The halt in funding has forced HIV prevention programs worldwide to scale back or stop entirely, putting millions of lives at risk.

 Thousands of patients are now being denied life-saving medications, and various health initiatives have faced disruption.

The Director of Planning and Strategic Information at UAC, Vincent Bagambe, warned that this funding cut could severely undermine Uganda’s efforts to combat HIV/AIDS.

He explained that Uganda has made significant progress in reducing new infections and AIDS-related deaths, but these gains are now in jeopardy.

Bagambe added that an additional Shs300 billion(US$81.94 million) is needed to ensure continuous access to treatment, monitoring, and other essential services.

Uganda currently spends about Shs1.9 trillion (US$518.986 million) annually on HIV services, with 60% of this funding coming from donors, primarily the U.S. government.

However, the recent U.S. orders have halted grant disbursements, leaving implementing partners uncertain. Some have already started closing clinics and laying off staff.

“If we don’t act fast, thousands of people living with HIV may not get their medication, which could lead to drug resistance and new infections,” Bagambe cautioned.

The UAC also called for an increase in the HIV Mainstreaming allocation from 0.1% to 0.5% of Uganda’s national budget.

 This change would generate an additional Shs200 billion (US$54.63 million) to help sustain vital services such as viral load monitoring and antiretroviral distribution.

Statistics from UAC show that Uganda has 1.49 million people living with HIV, with a prevalence rate of 5.1%. In 2023 alone, there were 38,000 new infections and 20,000 AIDS-related deaths. Young people, particularly adolescent girls and young women, are disproportionately affected.

Flavia Kyomukama from the National Forum of People Living with HIV warned that the freeze in funding is closing vital HIV treatment centers, making it harder for people to access care.

“This freeze is a freeze on our lives, and we are asking our Parliament to represent us,” she said.

As the country grapples with the effects of the funding cut, stakeholders, including Uganda’s Parliament, are urging local solutions.

Hon. Lulume Bayigga (Buikwe County South MP) emphasized the need for Uganda to invest in local pharmaceutical manufacturing.

He called for clear strategies to ensure continued access to medicines and to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS.

Hon. Sarah Netalisire (Namisindwa District Woman Representative) raised concerns about the integration of HIV services into general outpatient departments, fearing it would increase stigma and limit access, especially in rural areas.

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